Syllabus

Material
1. Introduction
1.1 Mechanical Vibration
1.2 Machinery Preventive and Predictive Maintenance
1.3 Evolution of maintenance philosophies
1.4 Vibration analysis a key predictive maintenance technique
1.5 Vibration Analysis and Measurement Equipment

No. of hours
2

2. Measuring Parameters and Vibration Severity Criteria

2.1 Oscillatory Motion
2.2 Acceleration, Velocity and Displacement
2.3 Location and Direction of Measurements
2.4 Common Vibration Severity Charts and Tables

3. Vibration Analysis Techniques

3.1 Definitions
3.2 Level Measurement
3.3 Time Waveform
3.4 FFT Spectrum and Phase Analysis
3.5 Orbit
3.6 Bode and Nyquist Plot
3.7 Cepstrum Analysis
3.8 Envelope Analysis

4. Diagnosis of Common Vibration Problems

4.1 Unbalance and Bent Shaft
4.2 Bent Shaft
4.3 Eccentric Rotor
4.4 Misalignment
4.5 Mechanical Looseness
4.6 Resonance
4.7 Electrical Problems
4.8 Pumps Related Problems
4.9 Blowers and Fans Related Problems
4.10 Compressors Problems
4.11 Reciprocating Engines Problems

5. Diagnosis of Special Parts Problems

5.1 Journal Bearing Problems
5.2 Roller Bearing Problems
5.3 Gear Trains Problems

6. Advanced Techniques
6.1 Transient Analysis
6.2 Dual and Multi-Channel Analysis
6.3 Machine Run-up/Coast-down

7. Field Balancing
7.1 Introduction
7.2 Procedure of Field Balancing
Total

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1

1. Introduction
1.1 Mechanical Vibration
What is vibration? simply speaking, it is the motion of a machine or its part back and forth from its
position of rest. The most classical example is that of a body with mass M to which a spring with a
stiffness k is attached. Until a force is applied to the mass M and causes it to move, there is no
vibration.
Mechanical vibration is the term used to describe the movement produced in
mechanical parts due to the effect of external or internal forces on that parts.
Each part can be considered composed of one or more spring-mass-damper
system subjected to an exciting force. The amplitude of vibration is a function
of system parameters and severity of the exciting force. When the machine is
new, vibration level is low since there is no looseness or wear, i.e., the
stiffnesses and damping factors are high. Also, the exciting forces are low in
general because there is no mechanical problem yet. As the machine
deteriorates, wears and looseness are produced and also, there may be exciting
forces produced due to some faults such as unbalance and misalignments.
Therefore, mechanical vibration becomes high. Maintenance procedure should
be carried out to bring vibration low again and obtain smooth and trouble-free
operation.
1.2 Machinery Preventive and Predictive Maintenance
If we were to do a survey of the maintenance philosophies employed by different process plants,
we would notice quite a bit of similarity despite the vast variations in the nature of their
operations. These maintenance philosophies can usually be divided into four different categories:

Breakdown or run to failure maintenance

Preventive or time-based maintenance

Predictive or condition-based maintenance

Proactive or prevention maintenance.

1.2.1 Breakdown or run to failure maintenance

The basic philosophy behind breakdown maintenance is to allow the machinery to run to failure
and only repair or replace damaged components just before or when the equipment comes to a
complete stop. This approach works well if equipment shutdowns do not affect production and if
labor and material costs do not matter. The disadvantage is that the maintenance department
perpetually operates in an unplanned crisis management mode. When unexpected production
interruptions occur, the maintenance activities require a large inventory of spare parts to react
immediately. Without a doubt, it is the most inefficient way to maintain a production facility.
Futile attempts are made to reduce costs by purchasing cheaper spare parts and hiring casual
labor that further aggravates the problem. The personnel generally have a low morale in such
cases as they tend to be overworked, arriving at work each day to be confronted with a long list
of unfinished work and a set of new emergency jobs that occurred overnight.

1.2.2 Preventive or time-based maintenance

The philosophy behind preventive maintenance is to schedule maintenance activities at
predetermined time intervals, based on calendar days or runtime hours of machines. Here the
repair or replacement of damaged equipment is carried out before obvious problems occur. This
is a good approach for equipment that does not run continuously, and where the personnel have
enough skill, knowledge and time to perform the preventive maintenance work. The main
disadvantage is that scheduled maintenance can result in performing maintenance tasks too early
or too late. Equipment would be taken out for overhaul at a certain number of running hours. It is
possible that, without any evidence of functional failure, components are replaced when there is
still some residual life left in them. It is therefore quite possible that reduced production could
occur due to unnecessary maintenance. In many cases, there is also a possibility of diminished
performance due to incorrect repair methods. In some cases, perfectly good machines are
disassembled, their good parts removed and discarded, and new parts are improperly installed
with troublesome results.
1.2.3 Predictive or condition-based maintenance
This philosophy consists of scheduling maintenance activities only when a functional failure is
detected. Mechanical and operational conditions are periodically monitored, and when unhealthy
trends are detected, the troublesome parts in the machine are identified and scheduled for
maintenance. The machine would then be shut down at a time when it is most convenient, and the
damaged components would be replaced. If left unattended, these failures could result in costly
secondary failures. One of the advantages of this approach is that the maintenance events can be
scheduled in an orderly fashion. It allows for some lead-time to purchase parts for the necessary
repair work and thus reducing the need for a large inventory of spares. Since maintenance work is
only performed when needed, there is also a possible increase in production capacity. A possible
disadvantage is that maintenance work may actually increase due to an incorrect assessment of
the deterioration of machines. To track the unhealthy trends in vibration, temperature or
lubrication requires the facility to acquire specialized equipment to monitor these parameters and
provide training to personnel (or hire skilled personnel). The alternative is to outsource this task
to a knowledgeable contractor to perform the machine-monitoring duties. If an organization had
been running with a breakdown or preventive maintenance philosophy, the production team and
maintenance management must both conform to this new philosophy. It is very important that the
management supports the maintenance department by providing the necessary equipment along
with adequate training for the personnel. The personnel should be given enough time to collect
the necessary data and be permitted to shut down the machinery when problems are identified.
1.2.4 Proactive or prevention maintenance
This philosophy lays primary emphasis on tracing all failures to their root cause. Each failure is
analyzed and proactive measures are taken to ensure that they are not repeated. It utilizes all of
the predictive/preventive maintenance techniques discussed above in conjunction with root cause
failure analysis (RCFA). RCFA detects and pinpoints the problems that cause defects. It ensures
that appropriate installation and repair techniques are adopted and implemented. It may also
highlight the need for redesign or modification of equipment to avoid recurrence of such
problems. As in the predictive-based program, it is possible to schedule maintenance repairs on
equipment in an orderly fashion, but additional efforts are required to provide improvements to
reduce or eliminate potential problems from occurring repeatedly. Again, the orderly scheduling
of maintenance allows lead-time to purchase parts for the necessary repairs. This reduces the
need for a large spare parts inventory, because maintenance work is only performed when it is
required. Additional efforts are made to thoroughly investigate the cause of the failure and to
3

determine ways to improve the reliability of the machine. All of these aspects lead to a substantial
increase in production capacity. The disadvantage is that extremely knowledgeable employees in
preventive, predictive and prevention/proactive maintenance practices are required. It is also
possible that the work may require outsourcing to knowledgeable contractors who will have to
work closely with the maintenance personnel in the RCFA phase. Proactive maintenance also
requires procurement of specialized equipment and properly trained personnel to perform all
these duties.
1.3 Evolution of maintenance philosophies
Machinery maintenance in industry has evolved from breakdown maintenance to timebased
preventive maintenance. Presently, the predictive and proactive maintenance philosophies are the
most popular. Breakdown maintenance was practiced in the early days of production technology
and was reactive in nature. Equipment was allowed to run until a functional failure occurred.
Secondary damage was often observed along with a primary failure. This led to time-based
maintenance, also called preventive maintenance. In this case, equipment was taken out of
production for overhaul after completing a certain number of running hours, even if there was no
evidence of a functional failure. The drawback of this system was that machinery components
were being replaced even when there was still some functional lifetime left in them. This
approach unfortunately could not assist to reduce maintenance costs. Due to the high
maintenance costs when using preventive maintenance, an approach to rather schedule the
maintenance or overhaul of equipment based on the condition of the equipment was needed. This
led to the evolution of predictive maintenance and its underlying techniques. Predictive
maintenance requires continuous monitoring of equipment to detect and diagnose defects. Only
when a defect is detected, the maintenance work is planned and executed. Today, predictive
maintenance has reached a sophisticated level in industry. Till the early 1980s, justification
spreadsheets were used in order to obtain approvals for condition-based maintenance programs.
Luckily, this is no longer the case. The advantages of predictive maintenance are accepted in
industry today, because the tangible benefits in terms of early warnings about mechanical and
structural problems in machinery are clear. The method is now seen as an essential detection and
diagnosis tool that has a certain impact in reducing maintenance costs, operational vs repair
downtime and inventory hold-up. In the continuous process industry, such as oil and gas, power
generation, steel, paper, cement, petrochemicals, textiles, aluminum and others, the penalties of
even a small amount of downtime are immense. It is in these cases that the adoption of the
predictive maintenance is required above all. Through the years, predictive maintenance has
helped improve productivity, product quality, profitability and overall effectiveness of
manufacturing plants. Predictive maintenance in the actual sense is a philosophy an attitude that
uses the actual operating conditions of the plant equipment and systems to optimize the total plant
operation.
It is generally observed that manufacturers embarking upon a predictive maintenance program
become more aware of the specific equipment problems and subsequently try to identify the root
causes of failures. This tendency led to an evolved kind of maintenance called proactive
maintenance. In this case, the maintenance departments take additional time to carry out precision
balancing, more accurate alignments, detune resonating pipes, adhere strictly to oil check/change
schedules, etc. This ensures that they eliminate the causes that may give rise to defects in their
equipment in the future. This evolution in maintenance philosophy has brought about longer
equipment life, higher safety levels, better product quality, lower life cycle costs and reduced
emergencies and panic decisions precipitated by major and unforeseen mechanical failures.
Putting all this objectively, one can enumerate the benefits in the following way:

 Increase in machine productivity: By implementing predictive maintenance, it may be possible to

virtually eliminate plant downtime due to unexpected equipment failures.
Extend intervals between overhauls: This maintenance philosophy provides information that
allows scheduling maintenance activities on an as needed basis.
Minimize the number of open, inspect and repair if necessary overhaul routines: Predictive
maintenance pinpoints specific defects and can thus make maintenance work more focused,
rather than investigating all possibilities to detect problems.
Improve repair time: Since the specific equipment problems are known in advance, maintenance
work can be scheduled. This makes the maintenance work faster and smoother. As machines are
stopped before breakdowns occur, there is virtually no secondary damage, thus reducing repair
time.
Increase machine life: A well-maintained machine generally lasts longer.
Resources for repair can be properly planned: Prediction of equipment defects reduces failure
detection time, thus also failure reporting time, assigning of personnel, obtaining the correct
documentation, securing the necessary spares, tooling and other items required for a repair.
Improve product quality: Often, the overall effect of improved maintenance is improved product
quality. For instance, vibration in paper machines has a direct effect on the quality of the paper.
Save maintenance costs: Studies have shown that the implementation of a proper maintenance
plan results in average savings of 2025% in direct maintenance costs in conjunction with twice
this value in increased production.
1.4 Vibration analysis a key predictive maintenance technique
1.4.1 Vibration analysis (detection mode)
Vibration analysis is used to determine the operating and mechanical condition of equipment. A
major advantage is that vibration analysis can identify developing problems before they become
too serious and cause unscheduled downtime. This can be achieved by conducting regular
monitoring of machine vibrations either on continuous basis or at scheduled intervals. Regular
vibration monitoring can detect deteriorating or defective bearings, mechanical looseness and worn
or broken gears. Vibration analysis can also detect misalignment and unbalance before these
conditions result in bearing or shaft deterioration. Trending vibration levels can identify poor
maintenance practices, such as improper bearing installation and replacement, inaccurate shaft
alignment or imprecise rotor balancing.
All rotating machines produce vibrations that are a function of the machine dynamics, such as the
alignment and balance of the rotating parts. Measuring the amplitude of vibration at certain
frequencies can provide valuable information about the accuracy of shaft alignment and balance,
the condition of bearings or gears, and the effect on the machine due to resonance from the
housings, piping and other structures. Vibration measurement is an effective, non-intrusive method
to monitor machine condition during start-ups, shutdowns and normal operation. Vibration
analysis is used primarily on rotating equipment such as steam and gas turbines, pumps, motors,
compressors, paper machines, rolling mills, machine tools and gearboxes. Recent advances in
technology allow a limited analysis of reciprocating equipment such as large diesel engines and
reciprocating compressors. These machines also need other techniques to fully monitor their
operation. A vibration analysis system usually consists of four basic parts:
1. Signal pickup(s), also called a transducer
5

2. A signal analyzer
3. Analysis software
4. A computer for data analysis and storage.
These basic parts can be configured to form a continuous online system, a periodic analysis system
using portable equipment, or a multiplexed system that samples a series of transducers at
predetermined time intervals. Hard-wired and multiplexed systems are more expensive per
measurement position. The determination of which configuration would be more practical and
suitable depends on the critical nature of the equipment, and also on the importance of continuous
or semi-continuous measurement data for that particular application.
1.4.2 Vibration analysis (diagnosis mode)
Operators and technicians often detect unusual noises or vibrations on the shop floor or plant
where they work on a daily basis. In order to determine if a serious problem actually exists, they
could proceed with a vibration analysis. If a problem is indeed detected, additional spectral
analyses can be done to accurately define the problem and to estimate how long the machine can
continue to run before a serious failure occurs. Vibration measurements in analysis (diagnosis)
mode can be cost-effective for less critical equipment, particularly if budgets or manpower are
limited. Its effectiveness relies heavily on someone detecting unusual noises or vibration levels.
This approach may not be reliable for large or complex machines, or in noisy parts of a plant.
Furthermore, by the time a problem is noticed, a considerable amount of deterioration or damage
may have occurred.
Another application for vibration analysis is as an acceptance test to verify that a machine repair
was done properly. The analysis can verify whether proper maintenance was carried out on bearing
or gear installation, or whether alignment or balancing was done to the required tolerances.
Additional information can be obtained by monitoring machinery on a periodic basis, for example,
once per month or once per quarter. Periodic analysis and trending of vibration levels can provide
a more subtle indication of bearing or gear deterioration, allowing personnel to project the machine
condition into the foreseeable future. The implication is that equipment repairs can be planned to
commence during normal machine shutdowns, rather than after a machine failure has caused
unscheduled downtime.
1.4.3 Vibration analysis benefits
Vibration analysis can identify improper maintenance or repair practices. These can include
improper bearing installation and replacement, inaccurate shaft alignment or imprecise rotor
balancing. As almost 80% of common rotating equipment problems are related to misalignment
and unbalance, vibration analysis is an important tool that can be used to reduce or eliminate
recurring machine problems. Trending vibration levels can also identify improper production
practices, such as using equipment beyond their design specifications (higher temperatures, speeds
or loads). These trends can also be used to compare similar machines from different manufacturers
in order to determine if design benefits or flaws are reflected in increased or decreased
performance.
Ultimately, vibration analysis can be used as part of an overall program to significantly improve
equipment reliability. This can include more precise alignment and balancing, better quality
installations and repairs, and continuously lowering the average vibration levels of equipment in
the plant.

1.5 Vibration Analysis and Measurement Equipment

1.5.1 Online data acquisition and analysis
Critical machines are almost always provided with continuous online monitoring systems. Here
sensors (e.g. Eddy current probes installed in turbomachinery) are permanently installed on the
machines at suitable measurement positions and connected to the online data acquisition and
analysis equipment. The vibration data are taken automatically for each position and the analysis
can be displayed on local monitoring equipment, or can be transferred to a host computer installed
with database management software. Because monitoring equipment are permanently connected to
the sensors, intervals between measurements can be short and can be considered as continuous.
This ability provides early detection of faults and supplies protective action on critical machinery.
Protective action taken by online data acquisition and analysis equipment is in the form of
providing alarms to warn the operators of an abnormal situation. In cases of serious faults, this
protective action can shut down machines automatically to prevent catastrophic failures.
Transferring the information to a host computer with database management software enhances the
convenience and the power of online data acquisition. It is also possible to connect multiple local
monitoring units that can send data from different machines to a central host computer. Thus,
machines at various physical locations can be monitored from one location. Also, information can
be transferred from the host computer to the local monitoring unit for remote control. Vibration
analysis/database management software can also be networked to multiple computers with the
local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) to allow multiple users to perform
condition monitoring of the machines.
Advantages
Performs continuous, online monitoring of critical machinery.
Measurements are taken automatically without human interference.
Provides almost instantaneous detection of defects.
Disadvantages
Reliability of online systems must be at the same level as the machines they monitor.
Failure can prove to be very expensive.
Installation and analysis require special skills.
These are expensive systems.

1.5.2 Portable data collectors/analyzers

Modern data collectors/analyzers can provide information of any vibration characteristics in any
desired engineering unit. There are basically two types of data collectors and analyzers, Single
channel and Dual channel.

Advantages

Can collect, record and display vibration data such as FFT spectra, overall trend plots and time
domain waveforms.

Provides orderly collection of data.

Automatically reports measurements out of pre-established limit thresholds.

Can perform field vibration analysis.
Disadvantages

They are relatively expensive.

Operator must be trained for use.

Limited memory capability and thus data must be downloaded after collection.
1.5.3 Handheld Vibration Meter
A handheld vibration meter is an inexpensive and simple-to-use instrument that is an essential part
of any vibration program. Plant operators and vibration technicians carry handheld meters and
analyzers on their routine rounds. When these are held in contact with machinery, they provide a
display of vibration levels (either analog or digital). The readout provides immediate information
that can be used to determine if the overall vibration levels are normal or abnormal. Handheld
vibration meters are typically battery powered and use an accelerometer for sensing. Sometimes a
velocity pickup is used. They are small, lightweight and rugged for day-to-day use. Handheld
meters can provide the following data (depending on the specific model):
o

Acceleration (pk) (g)

Velocity (pk-rms) (mm/s or in./s)

Displacement (pk-pk) (microns or mils)

Bearing condition (discussed later) (gSE, dB and others).

Advantages

They are convenient and flexible, and require very little skill to use.
8


It is an inexpensive starting point for any new condition-monitoring program.

Disadvantages

Limited in the type of measurements that they can perform.

They also lack data storage capability (however, some instruments are now available with
some limited storage capacity).

2. Measuring Parameters and Vibration Severity Criteria

2.1 Oscillatory Motion
For the oscillatory motion shown in Figure
beside, the motion of the mass from its neutral
position, to the top limit of travel, back through
its neutral position, to the bottom limit of travel
and the return to its neutral position, represents
one cycle of motion. This one cycle of motion
contains all the information necessary to
measure the vibration of this system. Continued
motion of the mass will simply repeat the same
cycle. This motion is called periodic and
harmonic, and the relationship between the
displacement of the mass and time is expressed
in the form of a sinusoidal equation:
x = X 0 sin t

X0

Figure 2.1 Oscillatory Motion

x = displacement at any given instant t;

X0 = maximum displacement or peak amplitude;
= 2 f, the radian frequency and measured in rad/s
f = frequency (cycles/s hertz Hz); t = time (seconds)
In the above Figure, T is the periodic time (period) is seconds, i.e., the time required for complete
one period. The frequency of the signal is simply the reciprocal of the periodic time, i.e. f =

1
.
T

2.2 Acceleration, Velocity and Displacement

Returning to the Figure above, the velocity of the oscillating mass fluctuate from maximum value
at the zero position to minimum value (zero) at the lowest and highest positions. In fact velocity is
the derivative of the displacement i.e.:

v =

dx
= X 0 cos t
dt

On the other hand, acceleration of the mass varies from maximum value at the highest and lowest
positions to zero at the zero position. In fact acceleration is the derivative of velocity:
a=

dv
= X 0 2 sin t
dt

It is clear that when the frequency is high, both velocity and acceleration will be high even
when the displacement is small. At low frequency, the inverse is true. Determining which of the
three parameters, acceleration, velocity or displacement is chosen to measure vibration depends
primarily on two factors, the first is the reason of taking the measurement. Are the readings being
taken for vibration analysis, periodic check, balancing , etc.. The second factor is the frequency of
vibration to be measured, or in other words depending on the running speed and type of machine
element such as anti-friction bearing, gear, etc..

10

The amount of time required to break a machine part is a function of two parameters, the first is
the amount of deformation (displacement) that the part undergoes, and the second is the frequency
of deformation. Vibration severity, thus, appears to be a function of displacement and frequency.
Since velocity is also a function of these two parameters, it is a direct measure of vibration
severity.
Displacement and acceleration may also be used to measure vibration severity,
however, when these parameters are used it is also necessary to know the frequency of vibration.
Displacement may be a better indicator to vibration severity under conditions of dynamic stress
where the property of brittleness tends to fasten the failure or when the stress (deformation)
reaches a given limit even though it is repeated only a few times. Thus displacement measurement
is useful when low frequencies are encountered.
It is generally accepted that between 10 Hz (600 cpm) and 1000 Hz (60 kcpm) velocity gives a
good indication of the severity of vibration, and above 1000 Hz (60 kcpm), acceleration is the only
good indicator. Since the majority of general rotating machinery (and their defects) operates in the
101000 Hz range, velocity is commonly used for vibration measurement and analysis.
Acceleration is closely related to dynamic forces and relatively large forces can occur at higher
frequencies even though the displacement and velocity may be small. Thus acceleration
measurement is a good indicator to vibration severity for high frequency vibration (above 1000
Hz).

2.3 Location and Direction of Measurements

Two important parameters which significantly affect the result of measurement, are the location
and direction of the measurement. Usually vibration is measured at the supports of the rotating
parts, exactly the bearing casing when possible. This is because that the vibration of the rotating
parts is transmitted only through the bearings. Furthermore, vibration of bearing themselves is
measured at their casings. Figure 2.2(a) shows the locations of vibration measurements of a forced
draft fan. However, sometimes measurements are taken on the structure of a machine for special
purposes such as identifying the type and location of a structural failure or in determining the
natural frequency of the structure.
The tri-axial measurements in the horizontal, vertical and axial directions are extremely useful
not only in condition monitoring procedures, but also in diagnostic analysis as will be shown later
in this chapter. The horizontal and vertical directions have a relative meaning rather than absolute
one. They are both perpendicular to the shaft axis, but the difference between them, is that the
horizontal direction is parallel to the fixing plane of the machine regardless of the machine
alignment, while the vertical direction is perpendicular to it (along the fixing bolts). The axial
direction is parallel to the shaft axis. This is illustrated in Figure 2.2(b).

11

(2)
(1)

fan

(3)

(4)

motor

(a) Locations of measurement

Vertical

Horizontal
Axial

(b) Directions of measurement

Figure 2.2 Locations and Directions of Measurements

2.4 Common Vibration Severity Charts and Tables

As mentioned above, vibration amplitude (displacement, velocity or acceleration) is a measure of
the severity of the defect in a machine. A common dilemma for vibration analysts is to determine
whether the vibrations are acceptable to allow further operation of the machine in a safe manner.
To solve this dilemma, it is important to keep in mind that the objective should be to implement
regular vibration checks to detect defects at an early stage. The goal is not to determine how much
vibration a machine will withstand before failure! The aim should be to obtain a trend in vibration
characteristics that can warn of impending trouble, so it can be reacted upon before failure occurs.
Absolute vibration tolerances or limits for any given machine are not possible. That is, it is
impossible to fix a vibration limit that will result in immediate machine failure when exceeded.
The developments of mechanical failures are far too complex to establish such limits.
However, it would be also impossible to effectively utilize vibrations as an indicator of machinery
condition unless some guidelines are available, and the experiences of those familiar with
machinery vibrations have provided us with some realistic guidelines. There are many operational
criteria which set out vibration boundary levels for judging a machine condition.

12

In 1972, the American Gear Manufacturing Association formulated the AGMA standard
Specification for Measurement of Lateral Vibration on High Speed Helical and Herringbone Gear
Unite. This standard is shown in Figure 2.3.
The IRD Mechanalysis Vibration Acceleration General Severity Chart shown in Figure 2.4 can
be used in cases when machinery vibration is measured in units of acceleration. This chart is useful
for evaluating machinery condition for the vibration of relatively high frequencies (above 1000
Hz) such as bearing vibration. It is obvious from the chart that the constant velocity lines are
replaced by constant acceleration lines for the frequencies above 1000 Hz (60,000 rpm).

Figure 2.AGMA Vibration Severity Chart

13

Figure 2.4 IRD Mechanalysis Vibration Acceleration General Severity Chart

Another commonly used severity criterion was by Verein Deutscher Ingenieure (German
Engineering Society) published the VDI 2056 Vibration Severity Criteria in 1940. This criteria is
based on the RMS values of vibration velocity over the frequency range from 10 Hz to 1000 Hz.
The VDI 2056 criteria is somewhat unique, compared to other guidelines presented, in that an
attempt to establish allowance for different types of machines and foundations. Examples of
machine classification as well as the vibration limits are shown in Figure 2.5. The ISO2372 agree
with VDI 2056 criterion.
Another severity chart which is close to VDI 2056 is ISO 10816 Vibration Severity chart
which is shown in Figure 2.6. A distinct feature in this chart is that it consider machine speed
as factor influencing filter selection. For machines running at speed above 600 RPM, the filter
choice must be 10-1000Hz, while for machines running at speed 120 RPM up to 600 RPM
filter choice must be 2-1000 Hz.

14

Ranges of vibration severity

Range

RMS velocity (mm/s)

Classes of machines
Class I

Class II

Class III

Class IV

0.28
0.45
0.71
1.12
1.8
2.8
4.5
7.1
11.2
18
28
45
71

0.28

A
A

0.45

0.71
1.12

A
B

1.8
2.8

B
B

4.5

7.1

C
C

11.2
18

D
D

28

45

Class I : Individual parts of engines and machines, integrally

connected with the complete machine in its normal
operating condition. ( production electrical motors
of up to 15 kW are typical examples of machines in
this category).

A: Good
B: Allowable
C: Just Tolerable
D: Not Permissible

Class II : Medium sized machines, (typically electrical motors

with 15 to 75 kW output) without special foundations,
rigidly mounted engines or machines (up to 300 kW)
on special foundation.
Class III : Large prime movers and other large machines with
rotating masses mounted on rigid and heavy foundations which are relatively stiff in the direction of
vibration measurement.
Class IV : Large prime movers and other large machines with
rotating masses mounted on rigid and heavy foundations which are relatively soft in the direction of
vibration measurement.

Figure 2.5 VDI 2056 and ISO2372 Vibration Severity Chart

15

Figure 2.6 ISO 10816 Vibration Severity Chart

16

3. Vibration Analysis Techniques

3.1 Definitions
Analog Signal: it is simply analog voltage varying with time. Examples are AC main which
has frequency of 50 or 60 Hz, microphone output, vibration transducer output etc. See
Figure 3.1 below.
Digital Signal: an analog signal after digitizing process. Digitizing process includes
conversion from analog voltage into digital numbers by the Analog to Digital Converter. The
sampling time is T and it is fixed in general. The sampling frequency is the reciprocal of T;

f s = 1/ T
v

time

(a) Analog signal

time

(b) Digital signal

Figure 3.1 Analog and Digital Signals

Analog to Digital Converter: a device used to convert voltage into equivalent integer number.
The size of the integer number (number of bits) depends on the resolution of the ADC. For
example, an ADC with 16-bit resolution produces an integer value between 0 and 65535 (or 32768 to +32767)
Peak Value: the difference between the signal average and maximum absolute value.
Peak to Peak Value: the difference between the lowest and highest values in the signal.
Stationary Signal: a signal which has the same statistical parameters over time such as signal
produced by rotating machinery.
Non-stationary Signal: a signal which has variable parameters over time such as variable
frequencies, amplitudes, power content ...etc. Examples are speech signals.
3.2 Level Detection
Signal level is sometimes referred as magnitude or overall value. As related to vibration, level
can be detected in terms of Root Mean Squares (defined below), Peak value, Peak-Peak value
or simply average value. The RMS, peak and peak to peak detection techniques are mainly
used in the determination of vibration severity for condition monitoring of machines. The
average value has limited applications and can be used to estimate the average rotor position
for example.
The root mean squares value (RMS) is indication for the power content in the signal, or in
other words, the effective value. Therefore, it is commonly used in vibration level detection.
For analog signals, the RMS can be detected by using RMS detector which is sort of complex
circuitry. The voltmeter is a kind of RMS detector. The RMS vlaue is given by;
17

1
RMS =
T

[v (t )]

dt where T is the period of the signal or generally record length.

For digital signals, the RMS is given by:

RMS =

1
N

2
i

where N is the number of points (record length)

i =1

Facts about RMS:

For pure sine wave, the RMS = 0.707A, where A is the amplitude of the sine wave,
therefore, the RMS does not depend on the frequency of the signal
The RMS takes into account all the frequencies contained in the signal at equal weight. The
phases and frequency ratios between different components have no effect on the RMS value.
While digital RMS detectors are simpler and more efficient, sampling frequency for digital
signals should be sufficiently high (more than at least twice the maximum frequency in the
signal) to obtain reliable RMS value from digital signals.
The Peak value can easily be obtained by using a peak detector for analog signals. While for
digital signals, it can be obtained by taking the difference between the maximum absolute
value and the average. This is in fact referred as True Peak. Another widely used peak value in
modern vibration systems is the Scaled Peak which is obtained directly from the RMS value by
multiplying be 1.414;
Scaled Peak = 1.414RMS
Scaled Peak is often used to obtain an approximate Peak value from a signal which undergoes
some processing techniques that modify the original shape such as filters, integrators and
differentiators.
The True Peak-Peak value is the difference between the lowest and highest value in the signal
and it can easily be obtained by peak-peak detector in the analog signals. For digital signals the
Peak-Peak value can easily be estimated by subtracting the minimum value from the maximum
value. However, the Scaled Peak-Peak value is commonly used in modern analysis systems
since the signal will not be kept at its original shape (for example when the accelerometer
signal is double integrated to obtain displacement signal);
Scaled Peak Peak = 2.828RMS
Table 3.1 Conversion between RMS, Peak and Peak-Peak Values
From

To
Get

Multiply by

Scaled Peak

Scaled P-P

RMS

Scaled Peak

0.5

1.414

Scaled P-P

2.828

RMS

0.707

0.3535

3.3 Time Waveform

Time Waveform is simply displaying the signal in the same manner as the oscilloscope plot. It is
the amplitude-time plot. The most common use of time waveform data is to compare the
waveform pattern of one machine with another obtained from a machine with similar defects. If

18

necessary, the frequency components of the major events in the waveform pattern can be
calculated.

-5

20

40

Time (msec)

Figure 3.2 Time Waveform of Low and High Frequency

Figure 3.2 shows a waveform collected from a pump with a predominantly 1x RPM waveform on
which a high-frequency wave is superimposed.

Figure 3.3 Waveform Beats

Figure 3.3 shows a special waveform describing a phenomenon called beats. Two waveforms
having frequencies separated only slightly and with approximately the same amplitude will
produce a beating waveform. These are literally pulses due to alternating reinforcement and
cancellation of amplitudes. The amplitude change is called the modulation and has a frequency
equal to the difference between the frequencies of the two waveforms. If the difference decreases,
the beat frequency will also decrease. Beating waveforms are common at centrifuges that have
bowl or scroll at marginally different speeds, and it is very normal to obtain the beat frequency if
there is some unbalance in each. In some cases, it might be possible to time the beats to determine
the difference between the bowl and scroll speeds. This phenomenon also occurs in motors that
have electrical defects. These defects tend to generate a vibration frequency of twice the
19

transmission power line frequency. If the line frequency is 50 Hz (3000 cpm), the defect frequency
would be 6000 cpm. Now, if the motors physical speed were 2980 rpm, then its second harmonic
would be 5960 cpm. Thus, the two waveforms of 6000 and 5960 cpm will generate beats and
modulation of amplitude.
Another application where time waveform is found to be useful is the identification of bearings
and gears problems. Pulses or spikes are found whenever a localized defect exists with frequency
equal to the number of times that defect excited per a second. For example a pinion gear with
broken tooth will exhibit pulses at frequency equal to 1xRPM of the pinion as shown in Figure 3.4.
The time between any two successive pulses is the reciprocal of the rotation frequency.
Amp.

20

Time (msec)

Figure 3.4 Vibration of Pinion Gear with Broken Tooth

Areas where the time waveform can provide additional information to that obtained from FFTs
are:
Low-speed applications (less than 100 rpm)
Indication of true amplitude in situations where impacts occur, such as assessment of the severity
of defects in rolling element bearings and gears
Looseness
Rubs
Beats.
In the case of defects such as unbalance or misalignment, where the time waveform is not too
complex, it will not be an advantage to the time waveform for diagnosis.

3.4 FFT Spectrum and Phase Analysis

Fourier theorem states that any time waveform can be reconstructed from a number of
harmonically related sine and cosine frequency components. Fourier transform is found to be very
efficient and useful tool to analyze vibration signals and to detect most of the common vibration
problems. Fourier spectrum is simply the amplitude-frequency plot and can be done through
different techniques. Before the revolution of digital computers and related components, Fourier
analysis was executed using tunable bandpass filter inline with amplitude or RMS detector.
Recent advances in digital circuit technology, in particular, the develop-ment of large-scale
integration (LSI) technology, have caused a revolution in system design. Many functions that only
a few years ago were most practically implemented with analog circuitry can now be implemented
more practically in digital form. Using the digital approach, the designer no longer has to be
20

concerned with the realizability constraints of analog devices. As a result, significantly more
sophisticated algorithms can now be chosen for problem solving. Examples of digital processing
operations are digital filtering, integration and differentiation, FFT (spectrum) analysis, processing
of speech and images, and many other operations.
The digital systems have several advantages when compared with their analog equivalents. The
first of these is that the digital system is inherently more stable, this means that the system is less
susceptible to changes in environment. The second advantage is the improved linearity. The only
significant source of amplitude non-linearity in digital systems is within the ADC. Likewise, their
frequency axes are set by the sampling frequency, which is in turn is referenced to a crystal
controlled oscillator. Hence, the sampling frequency can be controlled to a high degree of
accuracy, to give an exceptional frequency linearity.
The first digital frequency analysis technique was the digital filtering, but soon it has superseded
by the technique of Fast Fourier Transform. The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is an algorithm or
calculation process for obtaining the Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) with a greatly reduced
number of arithmetic operations compared with a direct evaluation. Fourier showed that any
periodic function g(t) with a period T can be represented as a sum of sinusoidal components (or
equivalently rotating vectors) at equally spaced frequencies kf1, with (f1=1/T). The kth component
is obtained from the integral,

G( fk ) =

1 T/ 2
j2 f k t
g
(
t
)
e
dt

T T/ 2

(3.1)

and hence,

g( t ) =

G( fk ) e

j2 f k t

(3.2)

k =

The series of complex values G(fk) are known as the spectrum components of g(t).
When g(t) is sampled in time domain, i.e. it is defined at finite number of instants N, then both the
time signal and frequency spectrum will be implicitly periodic due to sampling process. This
periodicity or circularity leads to some interesting effect. The forward transform for this case takes
the form
2 kn
j
1 N 1
G ( f k ) = g( t n ) e N
N n=0

(3.3)

and, hence, the inverse transform takes the form

N 1

g( t n ) = G ( f k ) e

2 kn
N

(3.4)

k =0

The direct evaluation of eq. (3.3) requires N2 complex multiplications and additions, and for
moderately large N, say N greater than 1000, this direct evaluation is rather costly in computer
time. Methods for saving computer time are thus be used. The most efficient algorithm for
evaluating DFT is the so called Fast Fourier Transform. In fact, this algorithm results in
dramatic saving in computer time when N is large, however, it can not be directly applied when N
is prime. When N is a power of 2, the FFT requires a number of computations proportional to N
log2 N rather than N2. Thus for N=1024 this is a computational saving of 99 percent.
The FFT algorithm produces an identical result to direct application of the DFT. Thus any
limitations of the FFT process are in fact those of the DFT. These are basically due to the finite
(circular) and discrete nature of the DFT algorithm. Thus, regardless of the actual nature of the
input signal, the analyzed record and results are a finite number, N, of discrete digital sample. In
21

theory this represents one period of an infinitely long periodic signal. Generally, three problems
are associated with the FFT processing, they are aliasing , window effect and picket fence effect.
These three problems, and how to deal with them, will now be discussed in a little more details.

3.4.1 Definitions
Number of Points (N): total number of samples in a record
Record Length (T): total record length in seconds, equal to number of points multiplied by T
Frequency Resolution f : reciprocal of record length or sampling frequency divided by number of
points, f = f s / N

3.4.2 Aliasing
The misinterpretation of high frequencies (above half the sampling frequency) as lower
frequencies, as illustrated in Figure 3.5, is termed aliasing. This is obviously one of the pitfalls
to be avoided when digitizing continuous signals.

Time

Time

(a) f = 0 (DC)

(b) f = fs

Time

Time

(c) f = fs /N

(d) f = fs + fs /N

Figure 3.5 Illustration of Aliasing

Aliasing can be avoided by using analog low-pass filter to ensure that the maximum frequency in
the passed signal is not greater than on half of the sampling frequency (this is called Nyquist
frequency). The low-pass filter should be very steep in order to cancel out high frequency
components that may exist. 8th order or higher order Butterworth or Elliptic filter is preferred
although 4th order is commonly applied in many digital systems. To overcome the problem of
amplitude change near the cut-off frequency, the useful frequency range is chosen to be only 80%
(or less) of the Nyquist frequency.

3.4.3 Window Effect

22

Window effect, also know as leakage effect, results from fitting the time signal in a finite length.
Generally when the sampling frequency is not direct multiples of signal frequency, window or
power leakage effect will arise.
The window effect results in the sidelobe generation or power leakage from the main frequency
components into adjacent band. This is determined by the type of window function used. For a
rectangular window function, the sidelobe generation is illustrated in Fig. 3.6. When a sinusoid
period or its multiples exactly coincide with the record length, i.e., its frequency coincides with
one frequency line in the spectrum, and due to convolution (in frequency domain) between that
single line and the spectral function of a rectangular window (sin x /x), the zero of the latter will
lie on the frequency lines of the resulting spectrum, and thus, no sidelobe is generated.

Figure 3.6 Sidelobes Generation for Rectangular Window

To minimize sidelobes generation and amplitude error, a window function having a minimal
sidelobes in the frequency domain must be used. An excellent general purpose window function is
known as Hanning, its name being derived from Von Hann, who applied an equivalent process
to meteorological data. In the time domain the Hanning window is equivalent to one period of a
raised cosine (i.e. cosine squared) function, as illustrated in Fig. 4.9,

h( n) = 0.5[1 cos(2n / N )]

n=0,1,2, .. N 1

(3.5)

Other good window functions are Hamming, Blackman, Flat-top, Kaiser and others. Hamming
window has lower sidelobes than Hamming but sidelobe falloff is small. Flat-top window is used
to obtain minimum amplitude error when picket fence correction technique is not used.

3.4.4 Picket Fence Effect

The picket fence effect is usually limited to FFT analysis. The picket fence effect results from the
fact that there are only specified number of lines to represent the continuous spectrum which have
an infinite number of lines. In general, unless a frequency component coincides exactly with an
analysis line, there will be an error in both the indicated amplitude and frequency (where the
highest line is considered as representing the frequency component) as shown in Figure 3.7. This
can be compensated for, provided it is known that one is dealing with a single stable frequency
component, by using picket fence correction technique where both the actual frequency and
amplitude are retained from the analysis data.

23

Figure 3.7 Illustration of Picket Fence Effect

3.4.5 Practical Analysis of Vibration Signals

Most of the FFT parameters are previously mentioned, however may be summarized here for
practical application as follows.
The frequency range for baseband analysis is from zero (DC component) to the Nyquist frequency
which is one half of the sampling rate. Thus, in order to avoid aliasing, the highest frequency in the
signal to be analyzed must be lower than the Nyquist frequency. To achieve this, a low-pass filter
having a cut-off frequency at 80% to 100% of the Nyquist frequency must be applied before
digitizing or re-sampling .
The actual useful frequency range (or maximum frequency) is the displayed range, which is
limited by the anti-aliasing filter. It is from zero to the cut-off frequency.
The number of lines for baseband analysis is related to the number of samples in the data record
(N) and the useful frequency range, i.e. it is equal to 80% to 100% of N/2, e.g., if N=1024 time
samples, and the cut-off frequency is 80% of the Nyquist frequency, then the number of lines
would be 409 or 400.
In some cases, it is required to obtain the overall RMS level which is an indication to the total
power contained in a signal. This easily done, for rectangular weighting, as follows,

RMS = 0.707 G 1

+ G2

+ G 3 + ....

(3.6)

Equation (3.6) can not be generalized for other weighting functions. In fact the result should be
corrected for the noise bandwidth (B) inhered to multiplying by the window function. Generally,
for any data weighting function, the RMS value is given by

RMS =

1
0.707 G 1
B

+ G2

+ G 3 + ...

(3.7)

Averaging is useful to obtain more reliable data about the analyzed signal. it is important to
perform averaging over a number of individual FFT transforms, each transform corresponds to a
different time record. Figure 3.8 illustrate averaging for 0% and 50% overlapping.

24

Figure 3.8 Averaging with 0% and 50% Overlapping

3.4.6 Phase Detection from FFT Spectrum

The complex frequency spectrum of a time function g(t) can be rewritten as [32];

g( t ) =

G ke

j2 f k t

= G 0 + 2 G k sin(2 f k t k )

k =

(3.8)

k =`

where k is the phase angle of the kth sinusoid (frequency component) referenced to the starting
point of the time record. Therefore, when the reading is trigged by a reference signal, all phase
angles will be relative to the reference sensor position;

k = + tan 1

Re(G k )
Im(G k )

(3.9)

However, when the actual frequency lies between two analysis lines, k and k+1, the phase
indicated by these lines will be determined in terms of the phase of the actual component, as well
as the frequency difference between that component and the analysis line. The actual phase can be
determined in terms of the phase of the second analysis line and the frequency difference (x)
which is found by the picket fence correction technique,

actual

1 Re( G k +1 )
x + tan Im(G )

k +1
=
(1 + x) + tan 1 Re(G k +1 )

Im(G k +1 )

x>0
x<0

(3.10)

3.5 Orbit
Orbits are Lissajous patterns of time domain signals that are simultaneously plotted in the XY
coordinate plane of an oscilloscope or vibration analyzer. In this form of display, it is very difficult
to trace the start of the orbit as it appears to be an endless loop. In order for us to determine the
direction of rotation, a phase trigger is employed. The trigger will show the direction of rotation by
looking at the dot on the orbit as the starting point of 1 RPM and the blank space as the end point.
Orbit analysis is the vibration measure of any rotor system in an XY plot (Figure 3.9). In most
applications, the unit of measurement is displacement which is measured directly using proximity
probes. These types of measurements are relative vibration readings. Relative readings are
considered vibration measurements of the shaft with respect to the bearing housing. As the probes
are clamped firmly to the housing, there is no relative motion between the probe and the housing.
Thus, the orbit is achieved. With that in mind, orbit plots give a visual graph of the actual shaft
centerline movement inside the bearing housing. Accelerometers and velocity pickups can also be
used to create orbits. These are external transducers, which require mounting on the outside of the
bearing housing. These types of measurements are called case orbits. Case orbits are useful to
25

separate shaft and case vibrations. This can provide absolute shaft motion (relative to space). Orbit
may be done for the overall signals as measured or it can be done for filtered signals where it is
required to show orbit for specific frequency such as the frequency of rotation or its multiples.

Figure 3.9 Orbit Analysis

To understand orbits, waveforms and their relationship to orbits must be explained. Let us begin
with waveforms. The waveform plot shown in Figure 3.10 has two sine waves, Y and X. The Y
plot is on the top and the X plot is at the bottom. The waveform signature runs left to right and the
amplitudes change from negative to positive, whatever the case may be. The changes in the
waveform cause the orbit to form. An orbit is made up of an X- and Y-axis with zero in the center.
Starting from the center, up is positive and down is negative. Right is positive and left is negative.
Now that we know waveform and orbit conventions, let us trace the waveforms and create an
orbit.

Figure 3.10 Waveforms and their Orbit

3.6 Bode and Nyquist Plots
A Bode plot comprises of two graphs; amplitude vs. machine speed and Phase vs. machine speed.
To display a Bode plot, a phase trigger is used to obtain a shaft reference for phase measurement
and measure the machine speed. The analyzer triggers and records the amplitude and phase
26

simultaneously at specific speed intervals (which can be defined by the user), and the two graphs
are displayed on top of each other.
In rotor dynamics, the Bode plot is mainly used to determine the critical speed of the rotor. In the
plot, the speed at which amplitude of vibration is maximum is noted, and for confirmation the
phase graph is checked to see if it differs from the starting value by 90.

Figure 3.11 Bode Plot

The Bode plot can also be used to determine the amount of runout associated with a proximity
probe, the balance condition, system damping and the operational phase angle cum amplitude at
various machine speeds.
The polar or Nyquist plot is also a representation of the same three variables as considered in a
Bode plot. The variables are plotted on a single circular chart instead of Cartesian axes as shown in
Figure 3.12.

Figure 3.12 Nyquist Plot

27

3.7 Cepstrum Analysis

Cepstrum analysis is referred to a range of techniques all involving functions which can be
considered as spectrum of the log spectrum . Presumably, because it was a spectrum of a
spectrum, the word cepstrum comes from spectrum , and likewise the following terms are
derived in the same manner;
Quefrency from Frequency
Rahmonics from Harmonics
However, the distinctive feature of the cepstrum is not that it is a spectrum of a spectrum, but
rather than the logarithmic conversion of the original spectrum. In fact, the most commonly used
definition of the cepstrum nowadays is as the inverse Fourier transform of the logarithmic power
spectrum [7]. The last definition of the power cepstrum may be expressed as follows

C AA ( ) = F -1 {log S AA ( f )}

(3.11)

in which the two sided power spectrum, SAA(f), of a time signal g(t) is given by:

S AA ( f ) = F{g(t)}

(3.12)

Where the bar means averaging over a number of records to improve reliability.
The parameter in the definition is actually time, although it is referred to as quefrency. It can
better be thought as a delay time or periodic time rather than absolute time. Since cepstrum
can detect harmonic vibration components as single quefrency component, the application of the
cepstrum analysis in vibration diagnosis is required for machines with gear mesh, anti-friction
bearing and other sources of high frequency vibration containing harmonically related
components. Figure 3.13 shows a cepstrum plot. More details about cepstrum will be given in the
next chapter.

Figure 3.13 Typical Cepstrum Plot

3.8 Envelope Analysis

Envelope detection is widely applied in roller bearing and gearmesh fault analyses. It is a method
for intensifying the repetitive components of a dynamic signal. The analysis includes filtration of
28

the signal, squaring the signal and then applying FFT analysis. The low frequency vibration will be
rejected during filtration process and only high frequency harmonics are passed. During
harmonics-squaring, difference and sum components are created where the difference components
fold back in the spectrum while most of the sum components are outside the analysis range.
The envelope method separates a repetitive impulse from a complex vibration signal by using a
band pass filter that rejects low frequency components that are synchronous with vibration. Table
3.2 shows filter setting for different machine speeds. Although there are signal enhancements that
result from structural resonances, the envelope method is not solely dependent on local resonance
to isolate rolling element defect signals. Filter criteria selection is based on suitable rejection of the
low frequency sinusoids while optimizing the passband of the defect harmonics
After filtering the vibration signal, the resultant signal is enveloped by means of a circuit that
approximately squares the signal as shown in Figure 3.14. The signal is then passed to FFT
analyzer to display the FFT spectrum.

Figure 3.14 Acceleration Enveloping

Table 3.2 Typical Filter Setting for Envelope Analysis

29

4. Diagnosis of Common Vibration Problems

4.1 Unbalance
Vibration due to unbalance of a rotor is probably the most common machinery defect. It is luckily
also very easy to detect and rectify. The International Standards Organization (ISO) define
unbalance as:
That condition, which exists in a rotor when vibratory, force or motion is imparted to its bearings
as a result of centrifugal forces. It may also be defined as: The uneven distribution of mass about a
rotors rotating centerline.
There are two new terminologies used: one is rotating centerline and the other is geometric
centerline. The rotating centerline is defined as the axis about which the rotor would rotate if not
constrained by its bearings (also called the principle inertia axis or PIA). The geometric centerline
(GCL) is the physical centerline of the rotor. When the two centerlines are coincident, then the
rotor will be in a state of balance. When they are apart, the rotor will be unbalanced. There are
three types of unbalance that can be encountered on machines, and these are:
1. Static unbalance (PIA and GCL are parallel)
2. Couple unbalance (PIA and GCL intersect in the center)
3. Dynamic unbalance (PIA and GCL do not touch or coincide).
Static Unbalance
For all types of unbalance, the FFT spectrum will show a predominant 1xRPM frequency of vibration.
Vibration amplitude at the 1xRPM frequency will vary proportional to the square of the rotational speed. It
is always present and normally dominates the vibration spectrum (Figure 4.1).

Figure 4.1 FFT Analysis of Unbalance

Static unbalance will be in-phase and steady (1520). If the pickup is moved from the vertical (V
in the figure) direction to the horizontal (H in the figure) direction, the phase will shift by 90
(30). Another test is to move the pickup from one bearing to another in the same plane (vertical
or horizontal). The phase will remain the same, if the fault is static unbalance (Figure 4.2).

30

Figure 4.2 Phase Relationship for Static Unbalance

If the machine has no other major defects besides unbalance, the time waveform will be a clean
Simple Harmonic Motion waveform with the frequency the same as the running speed.

Couple Unbalance
In a couple unbalance (Figure 4.3) the FFT spectrum again displays a single 1xRPM frequency
peak. The amplitude at the 1xRPM varies proportional to the square of speed. This defect may
cause high axial and radial vibrations. Couple unbalance tends to be 180 out of phase on the same
shaft. Note that almost a 180 phase difference exists between two bearings in the horizontal plane.
The same is observed in the vertical plane. It is advisable to perform an operational deflection
shape (ODS) analysis to check if couple unbalance is present in a system.

Figure 4.3 Phase relationship couple unbalance

Unbalance Overhung Rotors

In this case, the FFT spectrum displays a single 1xRPM peak as well, and the amplitude again
varies proportional to the square of the shaft speed. It may cause high axial and radial vibrations.
The axial phase on the two bearings will seem to be in phase whereas the radial phase tends to be
unsteady. Overhung rotors can have both static and couple unbalance and must be tested and fixed
using analyzers or balancing equipment (Figure 4.4).

31

Figure 4.4 A belt-driven fan/blower with an overhung rotor the phase is measured in the axial
direction
4.2 Eccentric Rotor
Eccentricity occurs when the center of rotation is at an offset from the geometric centerline of a
sheave, gear, bearing, motor armature or any other rotor. The maximum amplitude occurs at
1xRPM of the eccentric component in a direction through the centers of the two rotors. Here the
amplitude varies with the load even at constant speeds as in Figure 4.5.

Figure 4.5 A belt-driven fan/blower vibration graph

In a normal unbalance defect, when the pickup is moved from the vertical to the horizontal
direction, a phase shift of 90 will be observed. However in eccentricity, the phase readings differ
by 0 or 180 (each indicates straight-line motion) when measured in the horizontal and vertical
directions. Attempts to balance an eccentric rotor often result in reducing the vibration in one
direction, but increasing it in the other radial direction (depending on the severity of the
eccentricity) (Figure 4.6).

32

Figure 4.6 Eccentric Rotor

4.3 Bent Shaft

When a bent shaft is encountered, the vibrations in the radial as well as in the axial direction will
be high. Axial vibrations may be higher than the radial vibrations. The FFT will normally have 1x
and 2x components. If the:
Amplitude of 1xRPM is dominant then the bend is near the shaft center (Figure 4.7)
Amplitude of 2xRPM is dominant then the bend is near the shaft end.

Figure 4.7 An FFT of a bent shaft with bend near the shaft center

The phase of axial vibration for a bent rotor is shown in Figure 4.8. Note that when the probe is
moved from vertical plane to horizontal plane, there will be no change in the phase reading (Figure
4.8).

33

Figure 4.8 Phase of Axial Vibration for a Bent shaft

4.4 Misalignment
Misalignment, just like unbalance, is a major cause of machinery vibration. Some machines have
been incorporated with self-aligning bearings and flexible couplings that can take quite a bit of
misalignment. However, despite these, it is not uncommon to come across high vibrations due to
misalignment. There are basically two types of misalignment:
1. Angular misalignment: the shaft centerline of the two shafts meets at angle with each other
2. Parallel misalignment: the shaft centerline of the two machines is parallel to each other and
have an offset.
Angular misalignment

As shown in Figure 4.9, angular misalignment primarily subjects the driver and driven machine
shafts to axial vibrations at the 1xRPM frequency. Misalignment is rarely seen just as 1xRPM
peak. Typically, there will be high axial vibration with both 1xRPM and 2xRPM. However, it is
not unusual for 1x, 2x or 3xRPM to dominate. These symptoms may also indicate coupling
problems (e.g. looseness) as well (Figure 4.10).

34

(a) Offset Misalignment

Figure 4.9 Misalignment

(b) Angular Misalignment

Figure 4.10 FFT Spectrum for Angular Misalignment

Angular misalignment produces in phase axial vibration when measured in two points, on the
motor and load across coupling, but considering opposite directions for the pickups during
measurements as shown in Figure 4.11.

35

Figure 4.11 Axial Vibration Across Coupling for Angular Misalignment

Parallel Misalignment
Parallel misalignment, as shown in Figure 4.9, results in 2 hits per cycle and therefore a 2xRPM
vibration in the radial direction. Parallel misalignment has similar vibration symptoms compared
to angular misalignment, but shows high radial vibration that approaches a 180 phase difference
across the coupling as shown in Figure 4.13. As stated earlier, pure parallel misalignment is rare
and is commonly observed to be in conjunction with angular misalignment. Thus, we will see both
the 1xRPM and 2xRPM peaks.
When the parallel misalignment is predominant, 2xRPM is often larger than 1xRPM, but its
amplitude relative to 1x may often be dictated by the coupling type and its construction. When
either angular or parallel misalignment becomes severe, it can generate high amplitude peaks at
much higher harmonics (3x to 8x) (Figure 4.12) or even a whole series of high-frequency
harmonics. Coupling construction will often significantly influence the shape of the spectrum if
misalignment is severe.

Figure 4.12 FFT Spectrum for Parallel Misalignment

Figure 4.13 Phase Relation of Vertical Vibration Across Coupling for Offset Misalignment

36

Misalignment vs. Bent Shaft

Often, a bent shaft and dominant angular misalignment give similar FFT spectrums. The vibrations
are visible in both the axial and radial vibration measurements. It is only with phase analysis that
these problems can be resolved further. In a machine with a bent shaft, a phase difference will be
noticed on the two bearings of the same shaft. In the case of misalignment, the phase difference is
visible on bearings across the coupling.
4.5 Mechanical Looseness
If we consider any rotating machine, mechanical looseness can occur at three locations:
1. Internal assembly looseness
2. Looseness at machine to base plate interface
3. Structure looseness.
Internal assembly looseness
This category of looseness could be between a bearing liner in its cap, a sleeve or rolling element
bearing, or an impeller on a shaft. It is normally caused by an improper fit between component
parts, which will produce many harmonics in the FFT due to the nonlinear response of the loose
parts to the exciting forces from the rotor. A truncation of the time waveform occurs, causing
harmonics. The phase is often unstable and can vary broadly from one measurement to the next,
particularly if the rotor alters its position on the shaft from one start-up to the next.
Mechanical looseness is often highly directional and may cause noticeably different readings
when they are taken at 30 increments in the radial direction all around the bearing housing. Also
note that looseness will often cause sub-harmonic multiples at exactly or rpm (e.g. ,
1, 2 and further) (Figures 4.14).

Figure 4.14 FFT of Loose Internal Assembly

Looseness between Machine and Base-plate

This problem is associated with loose pillow-block bolts, cracks in the frame structure or the
bearing pedestal. Figures 4.15 and 4.16 make it evident how higher harmonics are generated due to
the rocking motion of the pillow block with loose bolts.

37

Figure 4.15 FFT of Mechanical Looseness

Figure 4.16 Mechanical Looseness Illustrations

Structure Looseness
This type of looseness is caused by structural looseness or weaknesses in the machines feet, baseplate or foundation. It can also be caused by deteriorated grouting, loose hold-down bolts at the
base and distortion of the frame or base (known as soft foot) (Figure 4.17). Phase analysis may
reveal approximately 180 phase shift between vertical measurements on the machines foot, baseplate and base itself (Figure 4.17). Soft foot tends to amplify vibration problem due to reduced
stiffness as shown in Figure 4.18 for unbalance condition.
When the soft foot condition is suspected, an easy test to confirm for it is to loosen each bolt, one
at a time, and see if this brings about significant changes in the vibration. In this case, it might be
necessary to re-machine the base or install shims to eliminate the distortion when the mounting
bolts are tightened again.

38

Figure 4.17 Structural Looseness (Soft Foot)

Figure 4.18 Soft Foot Amplifies Vibration Problem

4.6 Resonance
Any object has a natural frequency which is determined by its characteristics of mass, stiffness
and damping. If a gong strikes a bell, the bell rings at its own characteristic frequency known as its
natural frequency. The gong-striking event is forced vibration, whereas the ringing of bell is free
vibration. A free vibration at a natural frequency is called resonance.
There is a simple method to find the natural frequency of any object or system called the bump
test. With this method, a vibration sensor is fixed to the body whose natural frequency is required.
Using an impact hammer, a blow is struck on the body and the time waveform or FFT is collected.
The dominant frequency observed in the two graphs is the natural frequency of the body. Figures
4.19 and 4.20 show the time waveform and the FFT spectrum of a bump test conducted on a metal
study table, respectively. As seen in the time waveform, the impact occurs at approximately 100
ms after data collection was initiated. Directly after the impact, the body exhibits free vibrations at
its own natural frequency. The amplitude of the vibration reduces logarithmically due to damping
effects. The period between 500 ms and 1 s is long enough to count the number of cycles. The
calculation indicates that the natural frequency is approximately 990 cpm.
To obtain the FFT, the data collector was reset and another impact was made on the table with a
hammer. The collected spectrum shows a dominant peak at 1046 cpm. This is close to the value
calculated before with the time waveform. The bump test is simple and used extensively in
practice. It is a quick and accurate way of finding the resonance frequencies of structures and
casings. It is tempting to use the bump test on a spare pump or other rotors not supported on
bearings to obtain an estimate of their critical speeds. Take note that this can be very inaccurate.
For example, the critical speed of rotors with impellers in a working fluid and supported by their
bearings differs vastly from the critical speed obtained using a bump test off-line on the rotor.

39

Figure 4.19 Time Waveform of a Bump Test

Figure 4.20 FFT Spectrum of a Bump Test

Assume that a multistage pump rotor has a natural frequency of 2500 cpm when pumping a fluid.
Assume that the rotor has a slight unbalance, which generates tolerable amplitudes of vibration at
1RPM. In this example, the unbalance causes the forced vibration frequency at 1 RPM. When
the pump is started, the speed begins to increase and along with it also the amplitude and
frequency of the vibration due to unbalance. At a particular instant, the forced frequency of
vibration due to unbalance will be 2500 cpm. This frequency also happens to be the natural
frequency of the rotor.
Whenever the forced vibration frequency matches the natural frequency of a system, the
amplitude rises significantly, much higher than expected compared to unbalance effects. This
condition is called a critical speed. Rotor critical speeds are confirmed using a Bode plot as shown
in Figure 4.21. As the rotor approaches its critical speed, the amplitude rises. It reaches a
maximum and then drops again. The phase changes steadily as well and the difference is 90 at the
critical speed and nearly 180 when it passed through resonance.
The high-vibration amplitudes at critical speeds can be catastrophic for any system and must be
avoided at all costs. Besides the example of the natural frequency of a rotor, structural resonance
can also originate from support frame foundations, gearboxes or even drive belts. Natural
frequencies of a system cannot be eliminated, but can be shifted to some other frequency by
various methods. Another characteristic of natural frequencies is that they remain the same
regardless of speed, and this helps to facilitate their detection.

40

Figure 4.21 Bode Plot for a Rotor Response

4.7 Electrical Problems
Vibrations of electrical machines such as motors, generators and alternators can be either
mechanical or electrical in nature. We have discussed most common mechanical problems.
Electrical problems also appear in the vibration spectrum and can provide information about the
nature of the defects. Electrical problems occur due to unequal magnetic forces acting on the rotor
or the stator. These unequal magnetic forces may be due to:
Open or short windings of rotor or stator
Broken rotor bar
Unbalanced phases
Unequal air gaps.
Generally, the vibration pattern emerging due to the above-mentioned electrical problems will be
at 1 RPM and will thus appear similar to unbalance. A customary technique to identify these
conditions is to keep the analyzer capturing the FFT spectrum in the live mode and then switching
off the electrical power. If the peak disappears instantly, the source is electrical in nature. On the
other hand, if there is gradual decrease in the 1 amplitude it is more likely to be a mechanical
problem. This technique requires caution. If there is a time lag in the analyzer itself, it may delay
the drop in vibration amplitude. It is also possible that a resonance frequency may drop quickly as
the speed changes.
Induction motors, which have electrical problems, will cause the vibration amplitude to hunt or
swing in a cyclic manner. The phase readings will show similar cycles too. Under a stroboscope,
the reference mark will move back and forth. The swinging amplitudes in induction motor
applications are due to two dominant frequencies that are very close to one another. They
continuously add and subtract to one another in a phenomenon known as beats. It can also possibly
be a single frequency whose amplitude is modulating. In fact, hunting amplitudes are the first
indication of a possible electrical problem in the motor. Understanding the nature of these
41

vibrations can assist in identifying the exact defects in an electrical machine. The following are
some terms that will be required to understand vibrations due to electrical problems:

FL = Electrical Line Frequnecy (50 / 60 Hz )

2 FL
FS = Slip Frequnecy =
RPM
P
FP = Pole PassFrequency = P FS
Where P is the number of poles.

Rotor Problems
Normally, four kinds of problems can occur within the rotor:
1. Broken rotor bars
2. Open or shorted rotor windings
3. Bowed rotor
4. Eccentric rotor.
Along with the stator is a rotor, which is basically an iron following the rotating magnetic field.
As the magnetic field sweeps across the conductor, it creates a voltage across the length of the
rotor bar. If the bar is open-circuited, no current flows and no forces are generated. When the bar is
short-circuited, a current flows. This current is proportional to the speed at which the field cuts
through the conductor and the strength of the field. The field interacts with the stator field to
generate a force on the rotor bar. If everything else remains the same, an equal and opposite force
on the opposite side of the rotor will develop. These two forces generate the torque that drives the
load. In case anything disrupts the current or magnetic fields on either side of the rotor, the two
forces will become unequal. This results in a radial force, which is the cause for vibration.
A cracked or broken bar can cause this category of unbalanced forces. The forces rotate with the
rotor with a constant load plus a load that varies with 2 slip. Therefore, the force acting on the
bearings will have frequency components at 1 RPM and 1 RPM FP. Thus, broken or cracked
rotor bars or shorting rings, bad joints between rotor bars and shorting rings and shorted rotor
laminations will produce high 1 running speed vibration with pole pass frequency sidebands. In
addition, cracked rotor bars will often generate FP sidebands around the 3rd, 4th and 5th running
speed harmonics, see Figures 4.22 and 4.23.

Figure 4.22 Electrical Problem with high 1xRPM and FP Sidebands

42

Figure 4.23 1xRPM and Harmonics with FP Sidebands

Loose rotor bars are indicated by 2 line frequency (2FL) sidebands surrounding the rotor bar pass
frequency (RBPF) and/or its harmonics (Figure 4.24).
RBPF = number of rotor bars RPM
It may often cause high levels at 2 RBPF with only small amplitude at 1 RBPF.

Figure 4.24 Loose Rotor Bars Typical FFT Spectrum

Unequal air gap will produce unbalanced magnetic force which swings in direction twice per line
cycle. It is assumed that the eccentricity of the rotor will line up with the magnetic field. The
closer side of the rotor will be respectively attracted to the positive pole and to the negative pole;
thus the force will vary twice during a single current cycle. This can affect the bearings, and
therefore it can modulate any other frequency present in the system. These effects generally cause
sidebands of 2 slip frequency around the 1 RPM frequency caused by unbalance. Eccentric
rotors produce a rotating variable air gap between the rotor and stator, which induces pulsating
vibrations (it is a beat phenomenon between two frequencies; one is 2FL and is the closest running
speed harmonic). This may require a high resolution spectrum to separate the 2FL and the running
speed harmonic. Eccentric rotors generate 2FL surrounded by pole pass frequency sidebands (FP as

43

well as FP sidebands around 1 RPM). The pole-pass frequency FP itself appears at a low
frequency (Figure 4.25).

Figure 4.25 Eccentric Rotor

Stator Problems
An induction motor comprises a set of stator coils, which generate a rotating magnetic field. The
magnetic field causes alternating forces in the stator. If there is any looseness or a support
weakness in the stator, each pole pass gives it a tug. This generates a 2 line frequency (2 FL) also
known as loose iron. Shorted stator laminations cause uneven and localized heating, which can
significantly grow with time.
Stator problems generate high vibration at 2FL. Eccentricity produces uneven stationary air gaps
between the rotor and the stator, which produce very directional vibration. Differential air gaps
should not exceed 5% for induction motors and 10% for synchronous motors (Figure 4.26).

Figure 4.26 Stator Defects

Phasing Problem
Phasing problems due to loose or broken connectors can cause excessive vibration at 2 FL, which
will have sidebands around it spaced at rd of the line frequency (FL). Levels at 2 FL can
exceed 25 mm/s (1.0 in./s) if left uncorrected. This is particularly a problem if the defective
connector is sporadically making contact and not periodically (Figure 4.27).
44

Figure 4.27 FFT Spectrum for Phasing Problem

4.8 Pumps Related Problems
Hydrodynamic Forces (Vanes Pass Frequency)
Blade pass or vane pass frequencies (Figure 4.28) are characteristics of pumps and fans and
resulting from hydraulic or hydrodynamic forces. Usually it is not destructive in itself, but can
generate a lot of noise and vibration that can be the source of bearing failure and wear of machine
components.
Blade (Vanes) pass frequency (BPF, VPF) = number of blades (or vanes) RPM
This frequency is generated mainly due to the gap problems between the rotor and the stator.
Large amplitude BPF (and its harmonics) can be generated in the pump if the gap between the
rotating vanes and the stationary diffusers is not kept equal all the way around.
In centrifugal pumps, the gap between the impeller tip and the volute tongue or the diffuser inlet is
a certain percentage (in the region of 46% of the impeller diameter), depending on the speed of
the pump. If the gap is less than the recommended value, it can generate a noise that resembles
cavitation. However, an FFT plot will immediately highlight the vane pass frequency of the
impeller. Also, the BPF (or its harmonics) sometimes coincides with a system natural frequency,
causing high vibrations. A high BPF can be generated if the wear ring seizes on the shaft or if the
welds that fasten the diffusers fail. In addition, a high BPF can be caused by abrupt bends in linework (or duct), obstructions which disturb the flow path, or if the pump or fan rotor is positioned
eccentrically within the housing.

Figure 4.28 Hydrodynamic Forces

45

Cavitation and Recirculation

Cavitation normally generates random, high-frequency broadband energy, which is sometimes
superimposed with the blade pass frequency harmonics. Gases under pressure can dissolve in a
liquid. When the pressure is reduced, they bubble out of the liquid. In a similar way, when liquid is
sucked into a pump, the liquids pressure drops. Under conditions when the reduced pressure
approaches the vapor pressure of the liquid (even at low temperatures), it causes the liquid to
vaporize. As these vapor bubbles travel further into the impeller, the pressure rises again causing
the bubbles to collapse or implode.
This implosion has the potential to disturb the pump performance and cause damage to the
pumps internal components. This phenomenon is called cavitation. Each implosion of a bubble
generates a kind of impact, which tends to generate high-frequency random vibrations (Figure
4.29) in the range 930 x RPM. Cavitation can be quite destructive to internal pump components if
left uncorrected. It is often responsible for the erosion of impeller vanes. Cavitation often sounds
like gravel passing through the pump. Measurements to detect cavitation are usually not taken on
bearing housings, but rather on the suction piping or pump casing.

Figure 4.29 Cavitation Problem

4.9 Fans and Blowers
Similar to hydrodynamic forces mentioned above in pumps, blowers and fans may produce
aerodynamic forces at frequency equal to Blade Pass Frequency.
In blowers flow turbulence (Figure 4.30) often occurs due to variations in pressure or velocity of
the air passing through the fan or connected line-work. In fans, duct-induced vibration due to stack
length, ductwork turns, unusual fan inlet configuration and other factors may be a source of lowfrequency excitation. This flow disruption causes turbulence, which will generate random, lowfrequency vibrations, typically in the range of 202000 cpm.

Figure 4.30 Flow Turbulence

46

4.10 Compressors Problems

In compressors, similar to hydraulic pump cavitation, surge is the rapid backward movement of a
specific volume of air through the compressor. Surge will occur when forward flow through the
compressor can no longer be maintained due to an increase in pressure across the compressor, and
a momentary flow reversal occurs. Surging is most often caused by exceeding the design discharge
pressure (high discharge pressure). Choke, on the other hand, is simply a very high flow point on
the compressor's map where the total amount of energy available to the impeller is utilized for
pumping gas, but at a very low head or pressure ratio. Mild surge will reveal vibration at bladepass frequency or its multiples sometimes, while severe surge will result in random vibration at
broad frequency range which is system and operating conditions dependent. Vibration
characteristics of choking will be essentially similar to those encountered in surging.
When a compressor is operated away from its design point, the gas flow into the aerodynamic
components (impellers, blades, diffusers, etc.) deviates from its design direction. If the angle of
deviation (or incidence angle) is large, flow separation occurs. At higher incidence angles, the flow
fully separates at the impeller leading edge or diffuser inlet, and the flow is said to be stalled. The
rotating stall is a special form of stall, where one or multiple flow regions in the diffuser (or
impeller) are stalled but where other regions of the same impeller or diffuser are not stalled yet.
The stall regions usually travel in the direction of the rotation at a speed that is fractionally lower
than the rotating speed of the compressor. Stall and flow separation may be precursors to surge,
but not necessarily so. Rotating stall events also increase the measured vibration levels, but at a
distinct frequency that is lower than the shaft rotating frequency (typically between 10-50%).

4.11 Reciprocating Machines Problems

Reciprocating machines such as IC engines and compressors will have inherent vibrations which
are the results of inertia of the reciprocating parts plus varying pressure which causes torque
variation. The vibration frequencies encountered are 1x and 2xRPM. However, higher order
frequencies are also common with some designs, depending on the number of pistons and relation
between them. The following table lists the major vibration problems and their causes.

Table 4.1 Predominant Frequency Components of Reciprocating Machines

Description

Predominant Frequencies

Cause

Remedy

Inertia forces

are 1x and 2xRPM

Primary and secondary

inertia forces of piston
and connecting rod

Proper design
and balance
masses

Power pulses

N
RPM for 4-stroke engines
2

Engine power cycle

Increase number
of cylinders

Negative power stroke

Repair engine

N x RPM for 2-stroke engines

Misfiring piston

0.5 x RPM for 4-stroke engines

1 x RPM for 2-stroke engines

Worn
Connecting rod
bearings

2 x RPM

Bearing impact when

piston changes direction

Repair engine

Worn crankshaft
main bearings

Same as power pulses

Bearing impact each

power stroke

Repair engine

47

Piston slap

2 x RPM

Unbalance inertia 2 x RPM and multiples

forces

48

Under heavy load, force

component
perpendicular to
connecting rod

Repair engine

Secondary inertia forces

due to improper
correction weights

Selection of
proper
replacement
parts

5. Diagnosis of Special Parts Problems

5.1 Journal Bearing Problems
Excessive Bearing Clearance
Late stages of journal bearing wear normally display a whole series of running speed harmonics,
which can be up to 10 or 20RPM. The FFT spectrum looks very much like that of mechanical
looseness. Even minor unbalance or misalignment can cause higher vibration amplitudes
compared with bearings having a normal clearance with the journal. This is due to a reduction in
the oil film stiffness on account of higher clearances (Figure 5.1).

Figure 5.1 Excessive Bearing Clearance

Oil Whirl
Oil whirl is an oil film-excited vibration. It is known to occur on machines equipped with pressurelubricated journal bearings operating at high speeds (beyond their critical speed). Consider a shaft
rotating in a bearing at speed N. The bearing speed is zero. The oil film is wedged between the
shaft and the bearing and should ideally rotate at a speed of 0.5 RPM. However, some frictional
losses cause the oil film to rotate at 0.420.48 RPM. Under normal circumstances, the oil film
pushes the rotor at an angle (5 oclock if the shaft is rotating CCW see Figure 5.2). An eccentric
crescent-shaped wedge is created that has sufficient pressure to keep the rotor in the lifted
position. Under normal conditions, the system is in equilibrium and there are no vibrations.
Some conditions would tend to generate an oil film pressure in the wedge much higher than
required to just hold the shaft. These conditions can cause an increase in bearing wear resulting in
the shaft to have lower eccentricity causing a reduction in stiffness, oil pressure or a drop in oil
temperature. In these cases, the oil film would push the rotor to another position in the shaft. The
process continues over and over and the shaft keeps getting pushed around within the bearing. This
phenomenon is called oil whirl. This whirl is inherently unstable since it increases centrifugal
forces that will increase the whirl forces.
Oil whirl can be minimized or eliminate4d by changing the oil velocity, lubrication pressure and
external pre-loads. Oil whirl instability occurs at 0.42048 rpm and is often quite severe. It is
considered excessive when displacement amplitudes exceed 50% of the bearing clearances.

49

Figure 5.2 Oil Whirl

Dry Whirl
Sometimes inadequate or improper lubrication can also cause vibrations in a bearing. This is
because lack of lubrication results in friction between the shaft and the bearing. The friction force
will also tend to excite other parts of the machine. This vibration is similar to the experience of
moving a moist finger over a glass pane. The vibration caused by this phenomenon is known as
dry whirl. The vibration is generally at high frequencies, and harmonics may not be present. Phase
will not provide any meaningful information.

5.2 Roller Bearing Problems

A rolling element bearing comprises of inner and outer races, a cage and rolling elements. Defects
can occur in any of the parts of the bearing and will cause high-frequency vibrations. In fact, the
severity of the wear keeps changing the vibration pattern. In most cases, it is possible to identify
the component of the bearing that is defective due to the specific vibration frequencies that are
excited. Raceways and rolling element defects are easily detected. However, the same cannot be
said for the defects that crop up in bearing cages. Though there are many techniques available to
detect where defects are occurring, there are no established techniques to predict when the bearing
defect will turn into a functional failure.
In an earlier topic dealing with enveloping/demodulation, we saw how bearing defects generate
both the bearing defect frequency and the ringing random vibrations that are the resonant
frequencies of the bearing components. Bearing defect frequencies are not integrally harmonic to
running speed. However, the following formulas are used to determine bearing defect frequencies.
There is also bearings database available in the form of commercial software that readily provides
the values upon entering the requisite bearing number.

BPFI =

BPFO =

N
2
N
2

Db

cos RPM
1 +

Dp

1 b cos RPM
Dp

1 D
FTF = 1 b cos RPM

2 D p

2

D p Db
1
cos RPM
BSF =

2Db D p

50

Where Db : ball or roller diameter

Dp : pitch circle diameter of the bearing

N : number of balls
: contact angle
BPFI : Ball Pass Frequency (Inner Race)
BPFO : Ball Pass Frequency (Outer Race)
FTF : Fundamental Train Frequency (Cage)
BSF : Ball Spin Frequency (Rolling Elements)
Bearing deterioration progresses through four stages. During the initial stage, it is just a highfrequency vibration, after which bearing resonance frequencies are observed. During the third
stage, discrete frequencies can be seen, and in the final stage high-frequency random noise is
observed, which keeps broadening and rising in average amplitude with increased fault severity.
Stage 1 of Bearing Defect

The FFT spectrum for bearing defects can be split into four zones (A, B, C and D), where we will
note the changes as bearing wear progresses. These zones are described as (Figure 5.3):
Zone A: machine rpm and harmonics zone
Zone B: bearing defect frequencies zone (530 kcpm)
Zone C: bearing component natural frequencies zone (30120 kcpm)
Zone D: high-frequency-detection (HFD) zone (beyond 120 kcpm or 20kHz).

Frequency

Figure 5.3 High HFD due to Bearing Defect in Stage 1

The first indications of bearing wear show up in the ultrasonic frequency ranges from
approximately 260 kHz (1203600 kcpm). These are frequencies that are evaluated by highfrequency detection techniques such as gSE (Spike Energy), SEE, PeakVue, SPM and others. The
raceways or rolling elements of the bearing do not have any visible defects during the first stage.
The raceways may no longer have the shine of a new bearing and may appear dull gray.
Stage 2 of Bearing Defect

In the following stage, the fatigued raceways begin to develop minute pits. Rolling elements
passing over these pits start to generate the ringing or the bearing component natural frequencies
that predominantly occur in the 30120 kcpm range (500 2000 Hz). Depending on the severity, it
is possible that the sideband frequencies (bearing defect frequency rpm) appear above and below
51

the natural frequency peak at the end of stage two. The high-frequency detection (HFD) techniques
may double in amplitude compared to the readings during stage one. See Figure 5.4.

Figure 5.4 Bearing Defect in Stage 2, Components Natural Frequencies plus HFD
Stage 3 of Bearing Defect
As we enter the third stage (Figure 5.5), the discrete bearing frequencies and harmonics are visible
in the FFT. These may appear with a number of sidebands. Wear is usually now visible on the
bearing and may expand through to the edge of the bearing raceway. The minute pits of the earlier
stage are now developing into bigger pits and their numbers also increase. When well-formed
sidebands accompany any bearing defect frequency or its harmonics, the HFD components have
again almost doubled compared to stage two. It is usually advised to replace the bearing at this
stage. Some studies indicate that after the third stage, the remaining bearing life can be 1 h to 1%
of its average life.

Figure 5.5 Bearing Defect in Stage 3, Defect, Components Natural and HFD Frequencies
Stage 4 of Bearing Defect

In the final phase (Figure 5.6), the pits merge with each other, creating rough tracks and spalling
of the bearing raceways or/and rolling elements. The bearing is in a severely damaged condition
now. Even the amplitude of the 1 RPM component will rise. As it grows, it may also cause
52

growth of many running speed harmonics. It can be visualized as higher clearances in the bearings
allowing a higher displacement of the rotor. Discrete bearing defect frequencies and bearing
component natural frequencies actually begin to merge into a random, broadband high-frequency
noise floor. Initially, the average amplitude of the broad noise may be large. However, it will
drop and the width of the noise will increase. In the final stage, the amplitude will rise again and
the span of the noise floor also increases.
By this time, the bearing will be vibrating excessively; it will be hot and making lots of noise. If it
is allowed to run further, the cage will break and the rolling elements will go loose. The elements
may then run into each other, twisting, turning and welded to one another, until the machine will
hopefully trip on overload. In all probability, there will be serious damage to the shaft area under
the bearing.

Figure 5.6 Stage 4 Shows Merged Defect and Components Natural Frequencies and High HFD
5.3 Gears Problems
A gearbox is a piece of rotating equipment that can cause the normal low-frequency harmonics in
the vibration spectrum, but also show a lot of activity in the high frequency region due to gear
teeth and bearing impacts. The spectrum of any gearbox shows the 1 and 2 rpm, along with the
gear mesh frequency (GMF). The GMF is calculated by the product of the number of teeth of a
pinion or a gear, and its respective running speed:
GMF = number of teeth on pinion pinion rpm
The GMF will have running speed sidebands relative to the shaft speed to which the gear is
attached. Gearbox spectrums contain a range of frequencies due to the different GMFs and their
harmonics. All peaks have low amplitudes and no natural gear frequencies are excited if the
gearbox is still in a good condition. Sidebands around the GMF and its harmonics are quite
common. These contain information about gearbox faults (Figure 5.7).
Tooth wear and backlash can excite gear natural frequencies along with the gear mesh frequencies
and their sidebands. Signal enhancement analysis enables the collection of vibrations from a single
shaft inside a gearbox. Cepstrum analysis is an excellent tool for analyzing the power in each
sideband family. The use of cepstrum analysis in conjunction with order analysis and time domain
averaging can eliminate the smearing of the many frequency components due to small speed
variations.
53

As a general rule, distributed faults such as eccentricity and gear misalignment will produce
sidebands and harmonics that have high amplitude close to the tooth-mesh frequency. Localized
faults such as a cracked tooth produce sidebands that are spread more widely across the spectrum.

Figure 5.7 Vibration of Gears

Tooth Wear
An important characteristic of gear tooth wear is that gear natural frequencies are excited with
sidebands around them. These are spaced with the running speed of the bad gear. The GMF may or
may not change in amplitude, although high-amplitude sidebands surrounding the GMF usually
occur when wear is present. Sidebands are a better wear indicator than the GMF itself (Figure 5.8).

Figure 5.8 Tooth Wear Vibration Problem

Tooth Load
As the load on a gearbox increases, the GMF amplitude may also increase. High GMF amplitudes
do not necessarily indicate a problem, particularly if sideband frequencies remain low and no gear
natural frequencies are excited. It is advised that vibration analysis on a gearbox be conducted
when the gearbox is transmitting maximum power (Figure 5.9).

54

Figure 5.9 Vibration due to Excessive Tooth Load

Gear Eccentricity and Backlash
Fairly high amplitude sidebands around the GMF often suggest gear eccentricity, backlash or nonparallel shafts. In these cases, the rotation of one gear may cause the amplitude of gear vibration to
modulate at the running speed of the other. This can be seen in the time domain waveform. The
spacing of the sideband frequencies indicates the gear with the problem. Improper backlash
normally excites the GMF and gear natural frequencies. Both will have sidebands at 1 rpm. The
GMF amplitudes will often decrease with increasing load if backlash is the problem (Figure 5.10).

Figure 5.10 Vibration due to Gear Eccentricity/Backlash

Gear Misalignment
Gear misalignment almost always excites second order or higher GMF harmonics, which will have
sidebands spaced with the running speed. It will often show only small amplitudes at 1 GMF, but
much higher levels at 2 or 3 GMF. It is important to set the F-max of the FFT spectrum to more
than 3 GMF (Figure 5.11).

55

Figure 5.11 Gear Misalignment Vibration Problem

Cracked or Broken Tooth
A cracked or broken gear tooth will generate high amplitude at 1 rpm of this gear, plus it will
excite the gear natural frequency with sidebands spaced with its running speed. It is best detected
in the time domain, which will show a pronounced spike every time the problematic tooth tries to
mesh with teeth on the mating gear. The time between impacts will correspond to 1/speed of the
gear with the broken tooth. The amplitude the impact spike in the time waveform will often be
much higher than that of the 1 gear rpm in the FFT spectrum (Figure 5.12).

Figure 5.12 Time Waveform for a Cracked or Broken Gear Tooth

Gear Hunting Tooth Problem
The gear hunting tooth frequency is particularly effective for detecting faults on both the gear and
the pinion that might have occurred during the manufacturing process or due to mishandling. It can
cause quite high vibrations, but since it occurs at low frequencies, predominantly less than 600
cpm, it is often missed during vibration analysis. The hunting tooth frequency is calculated with:
Hunting ToothFrequency =

GMF N
No .of teeth in pinion No .of teeth inwheel

In the above equation, N is known as the assembly phase factor, also referred to as the lowest
common integer multiple between the number of teeth on the pinion and gear. This hunting tooth
frequency is usually very low. For assembly phase factors (N > 1), every gear tooth will not mesh
with every pinion tooth. If N = 3, teeth numbers 1, 4, 7, etc. will mesh with one another (however,
gear tooth 1 will not mesh with pinion teeth 2 or 3; instead, it will mesh with 1, 4, 7, etc.). For
example, a gear with 98 teeth is running at 5528 rpm and is meshing with a pinion with 65 teeth

56

and running 8334 rpm. The assembly phase factor is N = 1. The hunting tooth frequency (Fht) can
be calculated as follows:
Fht =

(98 5528) 1
= 85 cpm or 1.42 Hz
65 98

Another formula is the rpm of the gear divided by the number of pinion teeth (5528/65 = 85 cpm).
This is a special case and applies to a hunting tooth combination only when N = 1. If the tooth
repeat frequency is a problem (Figure 5.13), one can usually audibly hear it since it is a beat
frequency. A gear set with a tooth repeat problem normally emits a growling sound from the
driven end.

Figure 5.13 Gear Hunting Tooth Problem

57

6. Advanced Techniques
6.1 Transient Analysis
Transient analysis is similar in someway to startup and shutdown analysis since both of them deal
with a transient vibration. However, during machine startup/shutdown test, the overall collection
time is much longer and the speed signal is also acquired since it is a parameter of analysis.
Transient analysis is very useful to identify resonance frequency or to estimate Frequency
Response Function (FRF) of a structure. For example, during impact test, the structure or machine
is bumped by a hummer and the corresponding vibration is measured and either analyzed online or
saved as time signal and analyzed later to display FFT waterfall. More than one impact can be
executed during data collection and averaging process is performed over the overall record length
with or without overlapping. In most cases, 50% overlapping is good choice to cover all signal
details as shown in Figure 6.1. Logarithmic averaging may be applied where the log of the
amplitude is used instead of the direct amplitude. Also, the peak amplitude is sometimes used
instead of the averaged amplitude for better identification of the resonance frequencies, but this is
applied when the noise level is low during data acquisition. Figure 6.2 shows an FFT waterfall for
a transient vibration. During transient analysis, integrators or differentiators of the collection
device must be off to eliminate any delay and modification to the measured signal.

Figure 6.1 Overlapping During FFT Analysis of a Transient Signal

Figure 6.2 FFT Waterfall for a Transient Vibration

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6.2 Dual and Multi-Channel Analysis

Dual channel analysis requires simultaneous sampling of two channels. A single channel analyzer
can only accept an input from one accelerometer at a time, whereas a dual channel instrument can
accept inputs from two accelerometers simultaneously from different locations on the machine.
Thus, two vibration waveforms can be collected from a machine and analyzed. This can provide
very meaningful vibration data. The biggest advantage is that there is no need for reference marks
on the shaft. As a result, there is no need to shut down the machine to provide the marks. The
phase differences obtained are very accurate. It can provide phase differences at any frequency.

6.2.1 Orbit Analysis

As described in sec. 3.5, orbits are Lissajous patterns of time domain signals that are
simultaneously plotted in the XY coordinate plane of an oscilloscope or vibration analyzer. In
most applications, the unit of measurement is displacement which is measured directly using
proximity probes 90 apart as shown in Figure 6.3. These types of measurements are relative
vibration readings. Relative readings are considered vibration measurements of the shaft with
respect to the bearing housing.

Figure 6.3 Orientation of Proximity Probes

The slight elliptical shape of the 1X orbit plot shown in Figure 6.4 shows a small unbalance
condition. In this case, a 1X filter was applied to the measurement for isolating potential running
speed related issues. It is important to note, however, that other non-1X related frequencies may be
present which are missed if a filtered orbit is used.
Ch2
3.12

Ch1
3.12
Unit: Mils

Figure 6.4 Orbit for Unbalance Condition

Inner loops presented in a Lissajous orbit plot can indicate a "hit and bounce" type condition. This
phenomenon occurs when the shaft comes in contact with the bearing surface and "bounces" off.
In early stages of contact, a "flat" spot in the orbit plot will be presented. As the condition becomes
more severe, the number of loops present will increase and become tighter. Detailed analysis of the
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orbit plot can indicate exactly where the shaft is coming into contact with the bearing in question.
Figure 6.5 shows a "non-filtered" orbit plot of the same shaft as discussed above.
Ch2
2.32

Ch1
2.32
Unit: Mils

Figure 6.5 Hit and Bounce Orbit Analysis

Misalignment tends to add significant levels of vibration to the shaft at 1X, but also at higher
orders of running speed. 1X component from misalignment will not be in phase with the unbalance
component. The effect is to make the orbit plot less circular and more elliptical or even nonelliptical (i.e., banana-shape or figure-eight pattern). See Figure 6.6. Resonance and excessive
bearing wear also tend to produce elliptical orbits. If the contribution is due to resonance, this
condition can be pinpointed if the orbit changes noticeably with changes in running speed.
Ch2
4.22

Ch1
4.22
Unit: Mils

Figure 6.6 Typical Orbit for Misalignment Condition

Mechanical looseness caused by excessive wear tends to produce an orbit similar to that of a rub.
Subsynchronous effects show up as secondary loops. However, in this case, shaft movement may
be in a forward direction, rather than the reverse direction that is typical of a rub. Figure 6.7 shows
a typical Orbit Plot in the Emonitor. See the Emonitor online help for more information.

Figure 6.7 Orbit for Mechanical Looseness Condition

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6.2.2 Relative Phase Measurement

One useful application for dual channel analysis is the detection of relative phase between two
vibration signals. This is very useful for the diagnosis of machinery problems depending on the
phase relation between two locations or points as explained in chapter 4. Relative phase of overall
vibration or filtered components can be used but only the filtered components will reveal
meaningful and stable data especially when the signal contains many frequency components. The
machine speed must be known or it can be collected during dual channel measurement to filter the
components synchronously. Most vibration data analyzers contain a facility to acquire the machine
speed either from a high resolution FFT analysis or from a reference pickup. Table 6.1 shows a
typical relative phase data between two channels.
Table 6.1 Typical Table for Relative Phase Data

Order

Ch1 Amp.

Ch2 Amp

Relative Phase

1X

5.21

2.45

87

2X

3.21

2.12

123

3X

1.23

0.565

165

6.2.3 Simulation of Shaft Movement

Some advanced multi-channel systems can simulate actual shaft movement by measuring shaft
vibration in two or more locations with two directions in each location as shown in Figure 6.8.
This can be useful in the diagnosis of some vibration problems or study of rotor dynamics.

Figure 6.8 Multi-Channel Measurement

6.2.4 Synchronous Data Acquisition
In some applications, it is required to sample more than one channel at the same time for
synchronous data sampling. Examples are in the study of Frequency Response of structures and
mechanical parts where two ore more pickups are attached to the system. This is useful to maintain
the relative phase between signals and also to reduce acquisition time by acquiring the signals at
the same time.

6.3 Run-up and Coast-down Test

Of particular interest is the analysis of the vibrations during a run-up or a coast-down of a machine
in which case the structural resonances are excited by the fundamental or the harmonics of the
rotational frequencies in the mechanical system. Determination of the critical speeds, where the
normal modes of the rotating shaft are excited, is very important on large machines such as
turbines and generators.
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The run-up and coast-down tests are executed by analyzing vibration signals that vary with the
speed or time as the machine speed goes up or down. One of the most common applications is
detecting resonance related problems in rotors and structures. Not only the resonance frequency
can be detected, but also the order at which it occurs. The results can be displayed as Bode,
Nyquist, FFT waterfall and Spectrogram. During the test, the collecting device can either be
manually or automatically (depending on speed) trigged to start and stop collecting data from the
attached vibration and reference pickups. The data can be saved as time waveform and can be
processed to later to display various analyses. The reference signal is required to measure running
speed and to provide the phase angle information. The overall data record is divided into a number
of analysis records to trace machine speed variation. The analysis record can be set in terms of
time span, number of revolutions or both (whichever first satisfied), speed change or other
parameter.

6.3.1 Bode Plot

Overall vibration and/or filtered components can be traced in Bode plot. The order of a filtered
component can be integer or fractional multiples of the running speed and up to 6 orders can be
traced on the same plot excluding the overall trace. To extract the order amplitude and phase, the
time signal for each cycle (one period of the running speed) is multiplied by sine and cosine
functions whose frequency is the order frequency;

2 order i
) cos

i =0
N 1
1
2 order i
b=
g (t i )sin

N i =0
N

b
A = a 2 + b 2 , = tan 1
a
1
a=
N

N 1

g (t

(1)

Where N is the number of points in one cycle. All other orders will cancel out during summation
process. If the analysis record possesses more than one cycle, averaging process will be applied
over the number of records available. Figure 6.9 shows a Bode Plot for machine run-up test.

Figure 6.9 Bode Plot for a Run-up Test

6.3.2 FFT Waterfall
FFT waterfall is simply a number of FFT spectra drawn constitutively. When the analysis record
contains many FFT records, averaging can be done with or without overlapping, but when the
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analysis record is shorter than FFT record (depending on FFT options and analysis setting), zero
padding is applied to maintain the number of lines fixed for all spectra. The user can optionally
decrease the number of FFT lines or increase analysis record to overcome this problem. The
resonance frequency and its order can readily be known by inspecting the waterfall, particularly
when the nxRPM (or order) is chosen as frequency unit. Figure 6.10 shows a typical FFT
Waterfall.

Figure 6.10 FFT Waterfall

6.3.3 Spectrogram
Another more powerful technique is to display the Spectrogram, a diagram having frequency in the
x-axis and machine speed or time in the y-axis with amplitude represented by color coding. Any
high amplitude can be easily seen at the corresponding machine speed and frequency. When the
machine speed is used as parameter in the y-axis, as shown in Figure 6.11, the harmonic
components appear on radial lines through the point (0Hz, 0 RPM) while structural resonances
appear on vertical straight lines (constant frequency lines). Thus such a plot can be very useful.
The smearing of the components, which appears because the time window used for the individual
spectra represents a certain sweep in the speed, is however, a disadvantage. The power of the
components becomes spread over several lines. In particular, high frequency components in the
spectrum, such as toothmesh frequencies, might be smeared so much that details in sideband
structures are lost in the analysis. This is the main reason why order analysis is used instead.
Figure 6.12 shows a spectrogram using order tracking (tracking analysis) in which the sampling
rate is synchronized with machine speed. The vibration signal at the generator bearing contained
among other components a significant 37th harmonic and harmonics of this. A 3-dimensional plot
of a 400 line order analysis up to the 40th harmonic during coast-down is shown. This component
was found to be caused by a fan with 37 blades in the generator cooling system. Some peaks are
easily seen. No sideband structure is seen around this component, indicating that it is a rather pure
blade-passing frequency without modulation. This indicates that the increases are not due to
structural resonances, but might be caused by increased turbulence in the blower at different
speeds.

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Figure 6.11 Spectrogram using Fixed Sampling Rate

Figure 6.12 Spectrogram using Order Tracking

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7. Field Balancing
7.1 Introduction
One of the most important features of a portable vibration analyzer is the field balancing
capability. Some equipment have the possibility to do in-place balancing such as fans, blowers,
shafts, couplings, large turbo-machinery and others. Field balancing eliminates the need to
dismantle the machine to perform workshop balancing. Also, field balancing can take into
consideration the effects of the attached parts and thus producing good overall balancing
condition. Many vibration analyzers incorporate one-plane and two-plane balancing scheme based
on influence coefficients method. To perform balancing procedure, a reflecting tape must be
attached at some angle to produce reference mark to measure angles. Vibration pickups of any type
can be attached at the bearings housing to measure vibration signals. The machine is operated at
first to measure initial vibration, then stopped to add trial mass at the first correction plane and
operated again to measure vibration due to the first trial mass. A second trial mass is added at the
second correction plane and the vibration is measured at the third run. The device will calculate the
influence coefficients and calculate the initial unbalance. The influence coefficients are saved for
future balancing procedures where a single run can be executed to measure unbalance
A powerful field balancer must take into accounts the following points:
1. Trial mass may be kept during and after balancing procedure to speed up the process.
2. Setup time of the analyzer must be as short as possible to avoid running for long period of
time at high vibration.
3. The correction masses may be divided in case of fans or other discontinuous parts when the
angle of correction lies in the blank section.
4. The data collector must be capable of saving the influence coefficients to reduce balancing
time in the next maintenance procedure.

7.2 Procedure of Field Balancing

The following procedure is used in two-plane balancing:
1. Stop the machine to insert a reflecting tape on the rotating shaft to represent the reference point
for phase measurement.
2. Attach vibration and reference pickups to the machine and start it again.
3. Start your data collector to measure vibration due to initial unbalance.
4. Stop the machine again; add the first trial mass (more than the permissible mass) to the first
correction plane.
5. Start the machine and let the data collector measure vibration due to the first trial mass.
6. Stop the machine to add the second trial mass at the second correction plane, the first trial mass
can optionally be removed or kept.
7. Start the machine again and let the data collector measure vibration after adding the second
trial mass.
8. The data collector will calculate the influence coefficients and accordingly will calculate the
initial unbalance and the required correction masses in any of the following cases; the first trial
mass is kept or removed, the second trial mass is kept or removed, both trial masses are kept or
removed.

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